Valvoline Racing news 2000-07-31

Popular ABC/ESPN broadcaster and Indiana native Bob Jenkins will receive the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America "Caring Hands" Award prior to this Saturday's Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The honor is to acknowledge Jenkins' contributions in helping to raise awareness for BBBSA and its mentoring program. Jenkins' award is one of three presented by BBBSA this year. Lynn Swann, the retired Pittsburgh Steelers' All-Pro wide receiver, was another honoree. In just 17 months, Valvoline's NASCAR team-related effort has raised $527,025 for Big Brothers Big Sisters. The "Caring Hands" program started at the 1999 Daytona 500. Valvoline donates $5,000 for every Winston Cup race Martin wins, $2,500 for each pole, $1,000 for a top-five finish, and $20 per lap Martin leads. There also are a series of trackside events where the public can participate and the Valvoline Online Racing Auction on eBay earlier this year raised $150,000.

Special Report: What the Public Should Know

Valvoline and Eagle One drivers answer the question: What would you like fans to know about you? Mark Martin (Valvoline Ford Taurus, NASCAR Winston Cup Series): "The ones that were interested, I would like to read the book ("Mark Martin: Driven to Race" written by Bob Zeller, published 1997 by David Bull Publishing). We did it for one reason, to put it all in one place, that I could hand to somebody and say, 'Here, if you want to know about me and where I come from, here you go.' I can't sit down and explain to every fan who I am, and where I came from, but that (book) is a way. "What's more important is the show that we put on and that's ultimately why they buy the tickets. I'm proud to have been a part of that for 12 years. We've been real competitive and we haven't ever won more than our share, but we've won our share, and I don't know what it would be like not to be able to do that." Joe Amato (DynoMax/Valvoline/Keystone Automotive dragster, five-time NHRA Top Fuel champion): "You always wish the sport delved more into the personality of the people. I think, sometimes, it becomes too much (about the) car. People can relate to things you do personally. People put you up on a pedestal and have expectations about your lifestyle. I do yoga. I had trouble with my neck from parachutes (used to slow car) back before we had neck collars, and a doctor wanted to operate on my neck, because I had some herniated discs. I found a doctor who had a different story. He gave me exercises and stretching and a message therapist led me into yoga. I stretch every day to keep flexible. I do yoga a few times every week. (When) at home, I go to a gym that has a yoga instructor. There are some great yoga classes around the country. I'm into alternative and holistic medicines, herbs and spices and vitamins. I think that helps me at the race to calm my mind and with concentration. You get pulled in a lot of directions in racing, and sometimes it's hard to focus, and that can help you to settle down." Matt Hines (Eagle One Suzuki, three-time NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion): "I've been a drag racing fan all my life (age 28) and I grew up in the pits. This is where I'm living, so come by and see me!" Ron Krisher (Eagle One Pontiac Firebird, currently second in NHRA Pro Stock points): "I'm very intense, probably more than most of the people you know. Ask anyone who works for me and they'll tell you that's how I run my businesses (wire, freight, scrap remanufacturing, natural gas-oil wells and crop farming). I make the major decisions."

NHRA: Krisher Qualifies No. 1 (Again)

Ron Krisher earned his fourth No. 1 Pro Stock class qualifying spot this season in the Eagle One Pontiac Firebird last weekend at Seattle International Raceway, but was eliminated in the second round. Five-time Top Fuel champion Joe Amato also fell in the second round in his DynoMax/Valvoline/Keystone Automotive dragster. The NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series continues this weekend (Aug. 4-6) at Sears Point.